Troubleshooting
Pecan 'Sumner' problems — and how to fix them
Pecan 'Sumner' (Carya illinoinensis 'Sumner') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Late harvest exposure
Ripening late, the crop sits exposed to autumn weather and wildlife longer, raising risk of weather damage and loss; harvest promptly once husks split.
Alternate bearing
May alternate between heavy and light crop years; steady irrigation, feeding and nut thinning even out production.
Zinc deficiency (rosette)
Stunted, bunched foliage indicates zinc shortage; apply foliar zinc sulphate during spring flushes.
Pollination overlap
A protogynous (Type II) cultivar; plant with a protandrous (Type I) pollinator whose pollen shed overlaps its receptive period for good nut set.
Prevent pecan 'sumner' problems before they start
Most pecan 'sumner' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for pecan 'sumner' in general rather than its problems? Read the full pecan 'sumner' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pecan 'Sumner' problems — FAQ
Why is my pecan 'sumner' late harvest exposure?
Ripening late, the crop sits exposed to autumn weather and wildlife longer, raising risk of weather damage and loss; harvest promptly once husks split.
Why is my pecan 'sumner' alternate bearing?
May alternate between heavy and light crop years; steady irrigation, feeding and nut thinning even out production.
Why is my pecan 'sumner' zinc deficiency (rosette)?
Stunted, bunched foliage indicates zinc shortage; apply foliar zinc sulphate during spring flushes.
Why is my pecan 'sumner' pollination overlap?
A protogynous (Type II) cultivar; plant with a protandrous (Type I) pollinator whose pollen shed overlaps its receptive period for good nut set.